Willie Collum on VAR Changes and Refereeing Improvements

Willie Collum: New Vision for Scottish FA Refereeing

The Scottish FA has welcomed Willie Collum as the new head of refereeing, stepping into the role with a fresh perspective on officiating in Scottish football. After a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades, Collum aims to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of officiating at all levels of the game. This article explores his plans for improvement—especially regarding Video Assistant Referee (VAR), handball rules, and the introduction of innovative technologies.

Collum's Initial Impressions

Since taking up the position, Collum has immersed himself in rigorous discussions with Premiership clubs and referees, gathering invaluable insights to prepare for the upcoming season.

"It's been a hectic time, a really good time. I've enjoyed it, but it's been really busy," Collum explained. He emphasized the need for a collective effort in enhancing officiating standards this season.

Focus on VAR Improvements

One of Collum's top priorities is fostering improvements around VAR, ensuring that the system effectively supports officiating rather than complicating it. He stated, "We need to make improvements around VAR, how it's interpreted, and about our line intervention." Collum's discussions with referees centered on defining ‘clear and obvious’ decisions, an essential component of VAR's functionality. By refining decision-making on the field, he hopes to reduce VAR interventions, ensuring it serves as a supportive tool rather than a crutch.

Engagement with Stakeholders

Collum is proactively engaging with various stakeholders, including coaches and club officials, to build a consensus around officiating standards. "We've consulted with top referees and managers, getting their views on handball regulations," he remarked, hinting at forthcoming changes that reflect the game's realities and expectations.

Collaboration and Leadership

The newly appointed head of refereeing recognizes the need for collaboration among referees, clubs, and media. He plans to introduce a VAR manager role to bolster support for match officials while maintaining accountability in officiating. Collum asserted, "I want to be careful because it will depend on what happens in matches, but we want to increase that [interaction]." This indicates a commitment to establishing a robust framework to support officials while promoting high standards.

Shifting Handball Interpretation

Handball has been a contentious issue in recent seasons, receiving substantial criticism. Collum’s approach is to better align handball rulings with the traditional expectations of football. His aim is to "move towards a football understanding and expectation" which stakeholders can agree upon. This approach could make the game more consistent and understandable for players and fans alike.

Learning from Euro 2016

Having officiated at Euro 2016, Collum plans to implement the 'captain approach' employed during the tournament. This initiative encourages open dialogue between referees and team captains, leading to increased respect and collaboration. Collum expressed confidence that this strategy could reduce dissent and strengthen relationships within the game.

Open to Advancement in Technology

Collum is receptive to advancements in technology related to officiating, including automated offsides and in-stadium VAR explanations. "We would embrace any advancement that would improve the message we would send out and the communication," he said, acknowledging that cost is a significant consideration but remains optimistic about future implementations.

Conclusion

Willie Collum, as the new head of refereeing, is poised to advocate for meaningful change in Scottish officiating. His focus on improving VAR, adapting handball interpretations, fostering transparent communication, and collaborating with all stakeholders marks a new chapter for the Scottish FA. Fans can look forward to a promising season as these initiatives unfold—aiming to restore confidence in refereeing standards across the league.

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